Today’s devotion comes from Acts 2:41-47.
“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:41-47.
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Some think that they can create their own spiritual revival by just copying these actions.
But, these actions were the work of the Holy Spirit. It was “the Lord (Who) was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
The Holy Spirit will not always add three thousand souls in one day. The Holy Spirit will not always create signs and wonders. The Holy Spirit will not always cause believers to sell their property and possessions such that believers will hold all things in common. The Holy Spirit will not always cause believers to take their meals together or to be daily in the temple.
Yet, we think: “God, You are not doing Your job in my church.” And, we try to take things into our own hands, thinking that if we just copy these actions, we will create a revival.
But, it is God’s church, and only God can create a revival.
There is hope!
The hope that we have, even an assured confidence and peace that we have, as Reformed believers is that Christ will build His church, and that all of God’s elect will be saved.
“… I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18.
The Holy Spirit creates revivals where He wills, not necessarily where we will it to occur. “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8.
And, the revival that the Holy Spirit creates will not always look like the revival in today’s Scripture with all of its signs and wonders. Sometimes, the revival will be much more subtle, but still recognizable through the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. See Galatians 5:22-23.
There is more hope!
Article 16. Those who do not yet experience a lively faith in Christ, an assured confidence of soul, peace of conscience, an earnest endeavor after filial obedience, and glorying in God through Christ, efficaciously wrought in them, and do nevertheless persist in the use of the means which God hath appointed for working these graces in us, ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to rank themselves among the reprobate, but diligently to persevere in the use of means, and with ardent desires, devoutly and humbly to wait for a season of richer grace. …” FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination of Canons of Dordt,
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 